FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Roads across Fresno County quickly turned dangerous as Monday’s powerful winter blast struck Central California.
“We are seeing quite a few crashes here along the Valley floor, on the freeways,” California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Salas told Action News.
CHP officers have already responded to multiple accidents. The storm is a trifecta, of sorts, as it brings rain and dumps snow right as holiday travel spikes.
“We just want to pass on the message to prepare yourself for all of this inclement weather we’re going to have throughout the week,” Salas said.
He is reminding drivers to check their vehicles before heading out, paying attention to tire tread and pressure, and inspecting windshield wipers and headlights.
Chains are a must-have for drivers going to China Peak. Action News noticed several vehicles stopped on the side of the road near Shaver Lake.
Giego Teran and his friends from Clovis were among the motorists attaching new chains.
“The instructions seem to be straightforward, but for first timers, not really,” Teran said.
He spent 30 minutes getting the chains on just one tire. He hoped the second would go a little faster.
“Is it worth it to go all the way up to China Peak?” Action News asked. “100 percent,” he said. “We go almost every weekend.”
Video from the mountain this morning shows steady snowfall, dropping fresh powder.
But this President’s Day is a little quieter than usual.
People, I think (are) definitely… they’re waiting this one out a little bit,” China Peak’s Troy Cohee said. “Those that do come today are going to get a little bit of a treat. It’s going to be a pretty quiet mountain.”
With more rain and snow now on the way, Officer Salas is reminding drivers to use caution.
“Make sure you have a light foot. Slow it down,” Salas said. “The last thing you want to do is spin out in the snowfall. If you’ve never driven in snow, it could be treacherous.”
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